Conservation Reserve Program

This video highlights the history of USDA's The Conservation Reserve Program and how the program has played a major role in helping improve the lands, soil and water quality throughout the years.

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides technical and financial assistance to eligible farmers and ranchers to address soil, water, and related natural resource concerns on their lands in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner. The program provides assistance to farmers and ranchers in complying with Federal, State, and tribal environmental laws, and encourages environmental enhancement. The program is funded through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). CRP is administered by the Farm Service Agency, with NRCS providing technical land eligibility determinations, conservation planning and practice implementation.

The Conservation Reserve Program reduces soil erosion, protects the Nation's ability to produce food and fiber, reduces sedimentation in streams and lakes, improves water quality, establishes wildlife habitat, and enhances forest and wetland resources. It encourages farmers to convert highly erodible cropland or other environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative cover, such as tame or native grasses, wildlife plantings, trees, filterstrips, or riparian buffers. Farmers receive an annual rental payment for the term of the multi-year contract. Cost sharing is provided to establish the vegetative cover practices.

Program Information

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), the purpose of this MOA is to provide for the implementation, cooperation, expectations and responsibilities between Natural resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), and Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) in carrying out the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). This agreement is in effect until December 31, 2012.